Sunday, August 18, 2013

The next day, I woke up at around 4 am. According to my biological clock, it's 10 am already (HKG time).

I lazed on the bed until I heard the rest show signs of waking up,then I turned on the lights. The kids made no fuss about it, cause they were so looking forward to breakfast, for which they knew I would serve them with CUP NODDLE !!

At around 6 am, we checked out the hotel and headed to our destination.

The sun was rising on our left hand side at that time...

Husband said we would need to ride on this semi-highway for about 2 hour to reach the point.

This stretch of road was built along the coastal line of Italy's Riveria at the east. There are many big towns along the shore, providing good views to the road users.

I would say driving on this road, in the early morning time, was a pleasant experience.

After 1 hour driving...the kids had fall asleep again at the back.

After 1.5 hour driving...

the place was showered in golden sun-light...

Tunnels through tunnels, we moved on steadily with a speed of 120 km / hr.

William woke up, requested for a pee-break. So, we pooled over a roadside gas station for him to settle his business.

When I saw hot dounut were sold at the counter, I bought 2pcs for them voluntary. They were so happy when they saw this rare foods which I will hardly buy in normal days, said this is indeed a holiday! Haha...

Really, kids at this age can still be pleased with foods very easily. For the rest of the journey, I have rewarded them with many "good" foods, so as to add more pleasurable memories on the vacation.

Vincent, in his just-woke-up look.

After a short break, we moved on again. The traffic was lovely, with no sign of congestion at all.

Not too long later, I was excited to see the signboard showing Monaco is just a few kilometers ahead...

Should we drive down that road, Monaco we would go. However, Monaco was not in husband's list even though we were right at his door way.Feeling a bit weird for this...

Anyway, we stopped by our car and overlooked Monaco from the expressway above it....

Monaco is a sovereign city-state. This is the second smallest independent state in the world, after the Vatican.

Bordered by France on 3 sides, one side borders the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco has an area of 2.02 km2 and a population of nearly 40,000, making it the most densely populated country in the world.

Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with the opening of its first casino, Monte Carlo, and a railway connection to Paris.

Since then, the mild climate, splendid scenery and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist destination and recreation centre for the rich and famous.

Besides the casino business, Monaco is also known for its land reclamation, which has increased its size by an estimated 20%.

Also, the state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax heaven.

Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of the state.

To the world, the late queen, Princess Grace Kelly, and her 2 beautiful daughters, Princess Caroline & Princess Stephanie are equally famous.

Well, that's all for Monaco.

We only stood there for 5 minutes, just taking some photos, then we continue our drive to the 1st destination for the day.....